Maternity Bras & Nursing Bras - Your Shopping Guide

Maternity Bras

Rather than buy a bra just for pregnancy, a lot of pregnant women wear stretchy, supportive nursing bras, particularly in the third trimester, and continue to wear them while they’re breastfeeding.

In your first trimester, you may notice fuller, tender breasts, thanks to those surging hormones. By the second trimester, breasts continue to grow because of increased blood flow and developing milk ducts. And in the third trimester, your rib cage has expanded to accommodate your growing baby, so you need a bigger band size. Similarly, your cup size will increase by one or two sizes from your pre-pregnancy size.

All those changes mean your old bras are just not going to fit. “A lot of mums are surprised that they will need two or three bra sizes throughout their pregnancy and breastfeeding journeys,” says Felicity Savage, Bravado Designs’ Fit Program Specialist (who, came in for aTest Wearer fitting when she was a new mum and ended up landing a job with Bravado when her maternity leave ended). “Remember that it’s a gradual change over nine months and beyond.”

What should I look for in a maternity bra?

“Comfort is a huge priority,” says Felicity. Her recommendations:

* Stretch in the cups. This accommodates your changing breast size during your pregnancy.* Support in the band. It should be snug, but not uncomfortable. For a daytime bra, look for up to six hooks and eyes at the back of the band, so you can adjust it as your rib cage expands as your belly grows. Most of the support in your bra comes from the band. If you’re wearing a bra to sleep, go for a band that doesn’t have hooks and eyes.* Wider straps. If you’re used to a thin strap, opt for a slightly wider one to help comfortably distribute the weight of your breasts.

How do I get the right fit?

All you need are two measurements! This video quickly shows you how.

What are some popular styles?

Bravado nursing bras and tanks are designed to offer you comfort and support both during your pregnancy and while breastfeeding. Consider these styles while you’re pregnant:

No wonder it’s Bravado’s number one seller: seamless for a smooth fit, four-way stretch and super-soft double-layer fabric make this a totally comfortable bra. “Generally, you can wear the Body Silk Seamless in the third trimester and into breastfeeding,” says Felicity. “It offers a medium level of support and the removable foam inserts give you the option of added shape and nipple discretion.”

Almost a twin sister to the Body Silk Seamless, the Body Silk Seamless Yoga has adjustable straps that you can cross in the back. “This style adds just a bit more support, great for light exercise or wearing with a racerback top,” says Felicity. It’s also made with anti-microbial Silver Breeze™ fabric to prevent the growth of odor-causing bacteria (hey, pregnancy can be sweaty).

The Original is super soft and super comfy, made with breathable stretchy cotton with no hooks or eyes in the band. For some mums, the light to medium support is enough to wear everyday during pregnancy; for others, it’s just the right bra to give night time support to sore breasts.

With moderate support for DD/E-G cups The Original Full Cup Nursing Bra is a modern take on our classic style for pregnant women and nursing mums. It’s every mum’s everyday must-have - whether in her hospital bag, at home or on-the-go. There’s something about the cozy comfort of cotton (and ultra-soft modal) in our heritage style that mums have loved since our beginning.

Nursing Bras

Why do I need a nursing bra?

“A lot of women don’t know how a bra should really fit and feel,” notes Felicity. “Their regular bras are too loose and doesn’t have enough support, or they are super-tight and use the straps to get support, rather than the band. Lots of first-time moms also think only underwires can give support, which is not the case.” So, if your bra is too loose, your newly bigger breasts will be uncomfortable; too tight and you risk plugged milk ducts or mastitis, a painful breast infection.

* Full access. A cup that drops down completely gives you that essential skin-to-skin contact with your babe.* Layers in the cup. A removable foam insert or extra layer of fabric makes a smooth silhouette.* A supportive, non-underwire band. “Remember that your ribs have taken nine months to expand and it will take a little while to return to your regular band size,” says Felicity.* Clips that you can unfasten and refasten one-handed when half-asleep is a must.

What are some popular styles?

Original Nursing Bra“This is your go-to bra for the first few weeks post-partum, when your breasts are likely to be engorged and at their biggest, and you may be having nipple pain or cracking,” says Felicity. “Mums love that it’s a very stretchy, soft cotton that’s comfortable and breathes well.” You can wear it 24/7.

Body Silk Seamless Nursing Bra“After your milk supply has been established, around the five or six week mark, a lot of women like the Body Silk Seamless,” says Felicity. It molds to your figure and is stretchy enough to fit your changing breast size throughout the day. Bonus: it comes with a conversion kit so you can turn it into a regular bra when your breastfeeding time has ended.

Body Silk Seamless Yoga Nursing BraVery similar to the Body Silk Seamless, the Body Silk Seamless Yoga gives you support plus special anti-microbial fabric to prevent odor from bacteria, so it’s perfect for mom-and-baby fitness classes or when you’re just out for a walk.